UAE Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
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Other relevant actor
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#SDGAction54821
Description
The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund and the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund embody the UAE's commitment to fostering sustainable development through renewable energy adoption in SIDS. The core mission is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in the Caribbean and Pacific, aiming to enhance energy security, reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, and mitigate climate change impacts. Targeted achievements include the development of solar, wind, and other renewable projects, improving energy access, and fostering economic development. This partnership showcases an effective cooperation model (3 UAE entities, 1 University, 25 SIDS Governments) to adapt contextual solutions to overcome economic and climate challenges.
The collaborative execution of projects by partner organizations involves a comprehensive framework of strategies and processes designed to ensure effective cooperation, successful project outcomes, and the realization of shared objectives. Central to this collaborative effort is the establishment of a clear governance structure, where a Steering Committee comprising representatives from all partner organizations takes the lead in overseeing the initiative, guiding policy development, and making strategic decisions. This committee details the roles and responsibilities of each partner to capitalize on their unique strengths—such as policy oversight, financial management, and technical expertise—ensuring a synergy to project implementation. At the heart of these collaborations are the shared objectives and goals that align partners towards common ambitions, such as accelerating renewable energy adoption and promoting sustainable development of SIDS. These goals are supported by specific, measurable targets that guide the collective efforts of the partnership, ensuring all activities are strategically aligned with the mission. Standardizing processes across the board, from application procedures for project proposals to procurement and funding disbursement methods, ensures transparency, fairness, and efficiency in how projects are selected and executed. A holistic decision-making approach further characterizes the initiative, with project selection criteria emphasizing not just alignment with the initiative's goals but also potential impacts on sustainable development, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. This includes innovative evaluation methods that prioritize the use of technology to maximize development outcomes. Communication and reporting protocols are crucial to maintaining transparency and accountability within the partnership. Regular updates and reports keep all stakeholders informed, facilitating a transparent dialogue that enables continuous monitoring and assessment of the initiative’s progress. Adaptation mechanisms are integral, allowing the initiative to respond dynamically to emerging challenges and opportunities, ensuring that projects remain responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. Furthermore, the strategies underscore the importance of sustainability and local engagement, advocating for capacity building and the involvement of local communities and suppliers. This not only ensures the long-term viability of the projects but also contributes to local economic development, enhancing the initiative's overall impact. Through clear governance, strategic alignment, and a focus on innovation and transparency, these partnerships aim to achieve significant and sustainable impacts in the realms of renewable energy and development. For more information kindly visit: https://newenergyevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/UAE-Caribbean-Renewable-Energy-Fund-Guidelines.pdf
In the UAE-Pacific Partnership fund, end users were engaged from the beginning of the project development to complete the feasibility report, in reviewing the EPC scope of work as well as participating in the construction activities/ field engineering, either in oversight or in direct field implementation. Moreover, a 2-week capacity building program was completed (mandatory part of the EPC scope of work) in each project by the experienced EPC contractors for the beneficiaries in order to be familiar with the technology installed and the operational/maintenance requirements. This included a review of the design practices for the plant. 4 training programs were carried in total, and welcomed more than 200 participants, from government decision-makers to engineers and technicians. The training was conducted by the following entities: Elemental Power and Renewables, ITP Renewables, The university of the South Pacific and Chapman Tripp. For the UAE - Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, stakeholder agencies, recognized as essential partners in the projects facilitated by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), were engaged weekly throughout the design and execution phases, ensuring their integral involvement. While ADFD covers all necessary resources for project delivery, including contractor review and supervision, stakeholder agencies have the latitude to participate to their preferred extent. Additionally, capacity building is a critical component of these projects, with a minimum of two days of training provided during the commissioning period of each plant for about 20 individuals, though this number is not strictly capped. This training is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and effective operation of the projects. To maintain the projects' alignment with their objectives, weekly and monthly monitoring of the project schedule, scope, and cost is conducted. This rigorous monitoring ensures that project goals and deliverables remain on track, reflecting a comprehensive approach to project management that balances stakeholder involvement, capacity building, and continuous evaluation. Moreover, capacity building training was delivered to approximately 300 local stakeholders including utility system operators, government energy department staff and local renewable energy installers.
The Partnership showcases a collaborative effort involving three key UAE entities: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). These initiatives are steered by a committee led by the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, with technical support from ADFD and Masdar, aligning with the UAE's foreign aid policy focused on renewable energy. In addition to 25 SIDS governments, and University South Pacific who developed supportive training programs for SIDS implementing agencies. In this structured partnership, MOFA oversees policy and international cooperation alignment, ADFD provides the financial backing for projects, and Masdar operates as the project technical leader and manager who work with partner governments to verify demands and design solutions. This strategic allocation of roles leverages Masdar’s expertise to introduce innovative renewable energy solutions to the Pacific and Caribbean islands. Communication flows are maintained through regular updates from Masdar to ADFD and MOFAIC, ensuring all activities are closely monitored and aligned with strategic objectives. The decision-making process within the partnership is characterized by a comprehensive approach undertaken by the Steering Committee. This body is responsible for developing the fund's policies, guidelines, and overseeing project selection, emphasizing holistic considerations that span environmental impact, development goals, and gender equality. This is evident in their prioritization of projects that support clean energy transformation and provide employment opportunities for women. Evaluation of projects hinges on their potential to drive renewable energy adoption, contribute to sustainable development, and their innovative use of technology to enhance outcomes. The partnership places a strong emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear environmental benefit and the ability to empower local communities, including through the employment of women. Reporting and adaptation are crucial elements of the fund's operation, with Masdar ensuring transparency and accountability through regular updates to ADFD and MOFAIC. The procurement process is designed to be competitive and international, with a special focus on engaging local suppliers to bolster local economies and capacity. Overall, this partnerships represents a multifaceted approach to supporting renewable energy initiatives in SIDS, underpinned by a well-organized structure of collaboration, strategic decision-making, and rigorous evaluation and reporting mechanisms. This partnership exemplifies how targeted investments in renewable energy can foster sustainable development, environmental preservation, and gender equality across vulnerable regions.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
7.1
By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
7.1.1
Proportion of population with access to electricity
7.1.2
Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology
7.2
7.2.1
Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
7.3
7.3.1
Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
7.a
7.a.1
International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems
7.b
By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
7.b.1
Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing and developed countries (in watts per capita)
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|
Deliverables & Timeline
Cost savings from fuel purchase, improving utility and government balance sheets
Carbon emissions reductions
Increased energy access for remote villagers
Capacity building improvement for renewable energy skills and jobs creation
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
Feedback
Action Network
Share
Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Website/More information
Countries
SIDS regions
- Caribbean
- Pacific
Samoa pathway priority area
- Climate Change
- Sustainable Energy
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
- Means of Implementation, including Partnerships
Contact Information
Salama, Media Team Leader